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Messi Hits Historic 900th Goal but Inter Miami Crash Out of Champions Cup

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Lionel Messi reached yet another extraordinary milestone on Thursday night, netting the 900th goal of his illustrious career during Inter Miami CF’s 1-1 draw against Nashville SC in the CONCACAF Champions Cup.

The 38-year-old icon becomes just the second player in football history to reach the landmark, joining his long-time rival Cristiano Ronaldo in the exclusive 900-goal club.

Messi’s milestone goal came in the seventh minute, as he fired a low, powerful strike past the Nashville defence, igniting early celebrations among the home supporters. The goal also marked a remarkable 21-year journey since his first senior strike for FC Barcelona in 2005.

Since moving to Inter Miami in 2023, Messi has scored 81 goals for the club, adding to his staggering career tally, which includes 672 goals for Barcelona, 32 for Paris Saint-Germain, and 115 for the Argentina national team.

However, the historic achievement was overshadowed by disappointment for Inter Miami. Nashville SC found an equaliser in the 74th minute, and the match ended 1-1. With the first leg having finished goalless, the tie was decided on away goals, leading to Miami’s elimination from the competition.

Despite the team’s exit, the night will be remembered for another defining chapter in Messi’s legendary career—one that further cements his place among football’s greatest ever players.

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Tinubu Gifts Flamingos Players ₦100m Each After Historic World Cup Triumph

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President Bola Tinubu has rewarded each member of Nigeria’s U-17 women’s national team, the Flamingos, with a ₦100 million savings certificate following their historic triumph at the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup.

The reward was announced by the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, who represented the President at a special reception for the victorious team at the Presidential Banquet Hall in Abuja.

Under the reward package, the head coach will receive ₦100 million in cash, while each member of the technical crew is to get ₦50 million.

The First Lady commended the players for their remarkable achievement, particularly their six consecutive victories, describing their humility, discipline and sportsmanship as qualities worthy of emulation.

She said the historic triumph would inspire young Nigerian girls to pursue their dreams and demonstrate that they could compete and succeed at the highest level of international sports.

She also acknowledged the contributions of the coaching crew, technical and medical personnel, football administrators, parents and supporters towards the team’s success.

The Flamingos secured Nigeria’s first-ever FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup title after defeating Japan 2-1 in the final on November 7, with Awawu Bashiru and Oluebube Umejiaku scoring the decisive goals.

Despite losing their opening match 2-1 to Poland, the Nigerian girls bounced back impressively, defeating defending champions North Korea, Puerto Rico and Mexico before overcoming Brazil 3-1 in the semi-final to book their first-ever place in the final.

President Tinubu had earlier congratulated the team, describing the victory as a proud moment for Nigeria and a landmark achievement for African women’s football.

In a statement issued by his spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga, the President said he received news of the triumph upon returning from campaign engagements in Akwa Ibom and Rivers states.

The Senate has also pledged ₦100 million to reward the players following a motion moved by the Chairman of its Committee on Sports, Senator Abdul Ningi, who praised the team’s outstanding performance and commended the Nigeria Football Federation for its contribution to the historic success.

The Flamingos’ achievement adds to Nigeria’s recent dominance in women’s sports, coming less than two years after the Super Falcons clinched their 10th Women’s Africa Cup of Nations title in Morocco.

It also follows the historic 2025 FIBA Women’s Afrobasket triumph by Nigeria’s senior women’s basketball team, D’Tigress.

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Akpabio, Okpebholo Hail Flamingos After Historic U-17 World Cup Victory

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President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, and Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, have congratulated Nigeria’s U-17 women’s national football team, the Flamingos, following their historic victory at the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Rabat, Morocco.

Nigeria defeated Japan 2-1 in Saturday’s final to emerge champions for the first time, becoming the first African nation to win the competition.

In separate congratulatory messages, the two leaders described the achievement as a landmark moment for Nigerian football and a source of immense national pride.

Akpabio, in a statement issued by his media office and signed by his Special Assistant on Media and Communication, Anietie Ekong, described the players as “Nigeria’s Golden Girls” for their outstanding performance and historic accomplishment.

He said the triumph had not only elevated Nigeria’s status in global women’s football but also brought pride to the African continent.

The Senate President praised the players for their talent, determination, resilience and teamwork, noting that their achievement demonstrated the rewards of hard work, discipline and self-belief.

He added that the Flamingos had inspired millions of Nigerians, particularly young girls, to pursue their dreams and aspire to greatness.

Akpabio also congratulated the coaching crew, technical team and other support staff for their contributions to the historic success, declaring that the world had heard Nigeria’s victory song.

Similarly, Governor Okpebholo described the victory as a remarkable milestone, commending the Flamingos for their courage, discipline, teamwork and impressive performances throughout the tournament.

In a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Patrick Akhere Ebojele, the governor said the team had demonstrated the resilience and winning mentality associated with the Nigerian spirit.

He also praised the technical crew, coaches and support staff for their dedication, noting that the triumph underscored the growing potential of women’s football in Nigeria.

According to Okpebholo, the Flamingos had written their names in Nigeria’s football history and demonstrated the ability of the country’s young talents to compete and excel on the global stage.

He urged the players to sustain their winning mentality and remain worthy ambassadors of Nigeria, while assuring them of the continued support and goodwill of the people of Edo State.

“The Flamingos have made Nigeria proud, and their victory is a triumph for the nation,” the governor said.

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Infantino Hails Flamingos’ Historic U-17 World Cup Triumph

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FIFA President Gianni Infantino has congratulated Nigeria’s U-17 women’s national team, the Flamingos, following their historic victory at the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Rabat, Morocco.

Infantino described the triumph as a landmark achievement for Nigerian and African football, noting that Nigeria had become the first African country to win the prestigious competition.

In his congratulatory message after the final, the FIFA president commended the Flamingos for their impressive performance, describing their victory as well deserved.

“Congratulations to Nigeria, world champions of the Under-17 Women’s World Cup here in Rabat. First African team ever to win a Women’s Under-17 World Cup. So many congratulations to Nigeria, well deserved in the final,” he said.

Infantino also congratulated Japan for claiming the silver medal and the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPR Korea) for finishing third in the competition.

He equally praised Morocco for successfully hosting the tournament, describing the competition and facilities in Rabat as beautiful, fantastic and wonderful.

The Flamingos’ historic achievement represents a major breakthrough for African women’s football, as Nigeria becomes the first nation from the continent to lift the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup trophy.

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